A new breed of African billionaires is challenging age stereotypes and carving their own paths to wealth. These individuals, while not conforming to traditional ideas of youth, are redefining the notion of success through their remarkable journeys.
These young billionaires in Africa are proving that age is merely one chapter in a larger story of accomplishment, ambition, and global influence. They have amassed their fortunes in diverse sectors such as mining, construction, telecommunications, and oil.
While the term “young billionaire” may seem contradictory, these individuals are notably younger than the average billionaire. At the forefront of this exclusive club is Mohammed Dewji, the youngest on this list at just 48 years old, hailing from Tanzania.
Here are the 10 youngest billionaires in Africa in 2023, as listed by Forbes Magazine on Africa’s Billionaires roster:
- Mohammed Dewji – Ranked 13th Overall
- Age: 48
- Net Worth: $1.5 billion
- Position: CEO of MeTL Group, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate with interests in agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics. Dewji is also recognized for his philanthropy and social enterprise investments.
- Patrice Motsepe – Ranked 9th Overall
- Age: 61
- Net Worth: $3.2 billion
- Position: Chairman of African Rainbow Minerals, a prominent player in gold, platinum, and iron ore mining. Motsepe’s wealth is largely derived from the mining sector, and he’s known for his philanthropic and business ventures.
- Nassef Sawiris – Ranked 5th Overall
- Age: 62
- Net Worth: $7.3 billion
- Position: A trailblazer in the construction industry, Sawiris owns one of the largest construction companies in the Middle East and North Africa. His strategic investments across various industries showcase his financial acumen and wealth diversification.
- Strive Masiyiwa – Ranked 12th Overall
- Age: 62
- Net Worth: $1.9 billion
- Position: Chairman of Econet Group, a telecommunications giant with a presence in several African countries. Masiyiwa is a notable philanthropist and social enterprise investor.
- Aziz Akhannouch – Ranked 13th Overall
- Age: 62
- Net Worth: $1.5 billion
- Position: CEO of Akwa Group, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate with interests in petroleum, gas, and renewable energy. Akhannouch’s economic endeavors have established him as a prominent figure in the Moroccan economy, in addition to his philanthropic contributions.
- Yasseen Mansour – Ranked 18th Overall
- Age: 62
- Net Worth: $1.1 billion
- Position: Chairman of the Mansour Group, a conglomerate with operations in retail, automotive, and consumer products. Mansour is recognized for his philanthropy and investments across various industries.
- Abdulsamad Rabiu – Ranked 4th Overall
- Age: 63
- Net Worth: $7.6 billion
- Position: Chairman of BUA Group, a company with interests in cement, sugar, and real estate. Rabiu is a philanthropist and business investor with a significant footprint.
- Aliko Dangote – Ranked 1st Overall
- Age: 66
- Net Worth: $13.5 billion
- Position: Chairman of the Dangote Group, a conglomerate with diverse holdings in cement, sugar, and flour. Dangote is not only Africa’s richest person but also one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
- Naguib Sawiris – Ranked 8th Overall
- Age: 69
- Net Worth: $3.3 billion
- Position: Part of the influential Sawiris family, Naguib Sawiris’ company, Orascom, operates in several nations. He is involved in philanthropy and diverse business investments.
- Mike Adenuga – Ranked 6th Overall
- Age: 70
- Net Worth: $6.3 billion
- Position: Chairman of Globacom, a telecommunications business operating in Africa. Adenuga is known for his philanthropy and entrepreneurial spirit.
These remarkable individuals exemplify that age is but a number on the path to extraordinary success and impact on the African continent and beyond.
